The 2014 European Parliament election poses a major challenge for public communicators at all governance levels: how to resist giving credence to xenophobic, racist and sexist argument and the scapegoating of minorities and gain electoral support? How to develop spaces for dialogue with the electorate in general and minorities in a democratic, peaceful and productive way?
This project is funded by Open Society Foundation in Europe (OSFIE) and will draw out the commonalities facing minorities in four countries specifically to make a powerful counter narrative against the rush by politicians for “easy votes” by scapegoating those who are least powerful. The counter narrative will be in the form of key messages that can be easily understood and used by those who seek to combat those making xenophobic/racist/sexist statements.
In conjunction with partner organisations in Greece, UK and the Netherlands, CESIE will be running a forum on Friday 4March 2014, 3pm – 6 pm, at CESIE’s offices in Palermo, to identify key messages that can amplify the voice of minority and migrant communities in Italy. We will then disseminate those messages to politicians, policymakers, civil society and community based organisations using a variety of communication methods.
In order to develop those key messages we strongly count on the participation and support of Palermo’s migrant communities, as well to that of civil society organisations, politicians and journalists that are sensible to the issue of racism. As we have a limited number of places available, we kindly ask you to confirm your attendance in the next few days by sending an email to partnership@cesie.org .
